Beets With Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette And Mint Food

BALSAMIC ROASTED BEET SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Wrap the beets individually in aluminum foil and place them on a sheet pan. Roast them for 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on their size, until a small sharp knife inserted in the middle indicates that they are tender. Unwrap each beet and set aside for 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle. Peel the beets with a small, sharp knife over a piece of parchment paper to prevent staining your cutting board.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and set aside. While the beets are still warm, cut each one in half and then each half into 4 to 6 wedges and place them in a large mixing bowl. As you're cutting the beets, toss them with half of the vinaigrette (warm beets absorb more vinaigrette), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste for seasonings.
• Place the arugula in a separate bowl and toss it with enough vinaigrette to moisten. Put the arugula on a serving platter and then arrange the beets, almonds, and goat cheese on top. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette, if desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve warm or at room temperature.

BEET CARPACCIO WITH MINT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Fill a pot with 3 inches of water, insert a steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and place beets inside the steamer basket. Cover pot. Cook until beets are easily pierced with a knife, checking water level periodically, 35 to 50 minutes. Remove from heat and cool, about 30 minutes.
• Peel the beets; if you are using red and golden beets, peel the golden ones first so you don't end up turning them pink. Remove any remaining root stems. Thinly slice beets and arrange on a serving platter. I use a round plate and start in the center, alternating red and golden beet slices. Dot the top with goat cheese - you want to be able to see the beets but have enough cheese because it pairs so well with the beet. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
• Combine rice vinegar, olive oil, mint, and sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle over beets.

MINTED FRIED BEETS WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan cover beets with salted water by 1 inch and simmer, covered, until tender, about 35 mintues. Drain beets in a colander and cool until they can be handled. Slip off and discard skins and stems. Beets may be prepared up to this point 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.
• Make sauce:
• In a very small saucepan simmer sauce ingredients, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Remove pan from heat and let sauce stand, covered, 15 minutes. Pour sauce through a fine sieve into a small bowl and cool. Sauce may be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring sauce to room temperature before serving.
• Make batter:
• In a bowl whisk together flour, mint, and salt and add water, whisking until combined (batter will be lumpy).
• Cut beets into 1/4-inch-thick slices. In a deep 9-inch skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until 375°F. on a deep-fat thermometer. Working in batches, dip beet slices in batter and fry, without crowding, until golden and crisp, about 1 minute on each side, making sure oil returns to 375°F. before adding next batch. Transfer beets as fried to paper towels and drain. Beets may be made 2 hours ahead and reheated on a baking sheet in a 425°F. oven 10 minutes.
• Serve beets with sauce on the side for dipping.

BEETS WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• 2. Trim the beets, leaving on the skin, an inch of the stem, and the wispy "tail" on the bottom of each, then scrub and drain. Place the beets in a small casserole dish just big enough to hold them. Pour the water and canola oil over the beets then cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake until tender and easily pierced with a sharp paring knife, about 1 1/2 hours.
• 3. Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover the beets, keeping your face averted from the escaping steam. Allow the beets to cool completely in the casserole.
• 4. Meanwhile, combine the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the salt, and pepper in a medium-size bowl and whisk to blend. Taste and add more olive oil, if desired.
• 5. Peel the cooled beets with the back of a paring knife and cut into 3/8-inch slices. Add to the dressing in the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Serve immediately or marinate, in the refrigerator, for up to 24 hours.